Wynne Evans says Strictly controversy took him into 'darkest spot' of his life
Opera singer Wynne Evans became emotional as he recalled the controversy around his time in Strictly Come Dancing, saying it took him into the "darkest spot" of his life.
The Welsh tenor, 53, known for the GoCompare insurance advertisements, competed in the recent series of the BBC dancing programme alongside professional Katya Jones.
Evans recently announced that he had been dropped by the BBC and will no longer present on BBC Radio Wales, following an apology saying that he used "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
The apology came after the Mail On Sunday reported in January that he aimed a sexual joke at one of the other professional dancers, Janette Manrara.
Speaking on ITV's This Morning, he claimed the story was taken out of context and that he was talking to fellow contestant, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick.
He said: "I didn't know there was a reporter still there, recording, apparently, on their phone.
"Even though I'm looking at Jamie, they claim that I'm directing this word at Janette. And it's totally been taken out of context.
"When I saw the narrative in the newspaper, I was just shocked and horrified."
He added that the nickname was "unsuitable" and "inappropriate" and claims that he was misrepresented.
This comes after Borthwick was suspended from the BBC when a video emerged of the actor using a disabled slur on the set of the dance programme.
Evans added that he never approved of the statement that was issued by the BBC in January, where he apologised for making an "inappropriate and unacceptable" comment.
He said: "They didn't run it by me. They sent it off to the newspaper. They printed that as my apology. And, of course, then it looks like I validated the story."
A BBC spokesperson said: "The apology issued on Wynne's behalf by the Strictly Come Dancing Tour PR representative on Saturday January 25 was fully approved by Wynne."
While recounting the controversy, Evans got visibly emotional and said it took him to the "darkest spot" of his life.
"I was at my lowest ebb. I wanted to end my life. I would have if I hadn't been surrounded by people.
He added that he was under the crisis team for a month with his family, friends and girlfriend on a rota to be with him 24 hours a day.
Evans announced his engagement to his girlfriend Liz Brookes, after proposing during a holiday to Morocco last weekend.
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